FIND A PROJECT

PROJECT #32

Draw To Listen

Print Project

  • Ready to draw to listen? All you need is:

    A partner

    Paper

    Writing/drawing materials (pens/pencils/markers)

    An object that’s meaningful to each student but that their partner hasn’t seen before

     

  • Hello! I’m Kelsey.

    Today, I’m excited to share a project with you that helps us connect creatively with friends, even from far away. It’s called “Drawing To Listen.”

    Drawing to listen is a way to connect with a friend by listening closely and visualizing something meaningful to them—through drawing!

    If you prefer to follow along using my videos, click here.

     

  • STEP 1 OF 6

    The first thing you need to do is arrange a time and meeting place. If you’re far away from each other, you can set up a video call with your friend. Each of you should have your supplies ready, along with the object you plan to describe.

    Important: Keep your objects hidden from each other until the end of the project!

     

  • STEP 2 OF 6

    Next, decide who will be the describer first and who will be the drawer. 

    Describer’s Role: You will be describing your hidden object, being careful not to say what it is. I recommend starting with the general shape, then moving on to more specific details, like color and texture. 

    Drawer’s Role: You will be listening closely to the describer and drawing what you hear. Do your best to follow the description, and remember: You don’t need to be a skilled artist. This project isn’t just about drawing—it’s about deep listening and connecting with someone in a unique way. By seeing and drawing something special from your friend’s everyday life, you get a little window into their world.

     

  • STEP 3 OF 6

    To give you an idea of how this works, I practiced with my friend Noa. Here’s what happened:

    Noa’s Instructions: She described her object as a yellow circle with a black half-circle in it at the bottom. Inside the black shape is a white line that goes all the way across. She added that there were two brown “moon shapes” above the black section, and a white half-circle at the top with an upside-down teardrop attached.

    Following her instructions, I drew based on what I heard, trying to visualize her object with my hands and imagination. 

     

  • STEP 4 OF 6

    Ready to give it a try?

    First, take turns being the Describer and the Drawer.

    When you’re finished, and before the big reveal, share a few words about why your object is special to you.

    Noa told me, “This is important to me because you gave it to me. It’s always on my computer when I do homework.”

    Hearing that added so much meaning to the experience.

     

  • STEP 5 OF 6

    When you’re ready, count down—3, 2, 1—and reveal the objects you described.

    It’s a fun moment to compare your drawing to the actual object and see how closely you captured it.

     

     

  • STEP 6 OF 6

    Thank you for stepping out and connecting creatively!

    Did you discover anything new about your friend? Did you uncover any hidden listening superpowers you’ve always had within you?

    I hope this project brought you and your friend closer—both to each other and to your own sense of “OK.”

    If you’d like to share your reveals as side-by-side comparisons and inspire others to explore creative ways of connecting, click the link below.

     

    Share your creation!